Journey through some of the most important historical sights of the Reformation: Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt, Wartburg, Augsburg and more. Discover the impact that era has had on who we are today. Rub shoulders with men and women across time to grasp why they were willing to take a stand for truth and freedom.
This is not just an adventure in history. It is an opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful and charming sights in Europe: Prague, Berlin, Rothenburg, Neuschwanstein and more. The architecture! The food! The people! Be prepared for glimpses into World War II as we engage one of the most famous Lutheran pastors of that era, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Walking through the gates of Dachau Concentration Camp will help us fulfill the words that have permeated our minds: “Lest we forget.” Our tour will take us back further than the Reformation era with one of the most phenomenal presentations of the life of Jesus. The Passion Play in Oberammergau will keep you enthralled for five hours, including a dinner break. We will travel together on a luxury motor coach and overnight in first-class accommodations. Join us for this adventure in 2020. In Christ, Pastor Ron
Tour host, Pastor Ron Youngdale, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
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Contact 1.844.777.1517 or email info@luthertours.com
ITINERARY
B-BREAKFAST, L-LUNCH, D-DINNER
Day 1, Depart the USA
Day 2, Arrive Prague, Czechia (D)
Upon arrival at Prague airport we meet our European tour manager who will escort the group to our private motor coach. Our journey begins in one of the most charming and beautiful cities in the world. Our tour manager will introduce us to the history of the Czech Reformation- which anticipated the Reformation movement by about a century! We learn more about Luther’s predecessor, Jan Hus, born in 1369, a priest in Prague, philosopher and considered one of the first church Reformers. Hus was executed in Constance in 1415 for his criticisms of the Catholic Church including the selling of indulgences. Before his execution he proclaimed, “Cook this ‘goose’ (Czech for Hus) now, but in a century there will come a swan (later identified with Luther) you won’t be able to kill.” Group welcome dinner. Overnight Prague
Day 3, Prague Castle (B)
We awake in the “golden city of a thousand spires”! You’ll soon discover why Prague is one of the most treasured cities in the world! After breakfast, we meet our guide for a walking tour of the city including the famous Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock. Together we will tour the spectacular Prague Castle and the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the city on our own. This evening enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. Individuals or small groups may venture out from the hotel dining and try a local restaurant or join your tour manager for some traditional Czech cuisine- famously described as “comfort food”… the most popular meal is roast pork with dumplings and cabbage along with a glass of their world famous beer and of course a yummy fruit dumpling for dessert! Overnight Prague / Prague National Theater performance and price t.b.a.
Day 4, Torgau and Nimbschen (B, L)
Today we enjoy a walking tour in the quaint village of Torgau includes the history of Luther’s wife, Katharina von Bora, including the house where Katharina lived and died, and St. Mary's Church with its famous Cranach altar and the place of Mrs. Luther’s burial. We will visit Hartenfels Palace Chapel-consecrated by Martin Luther and widely regarded as the first Lutheran church and the first embodiment of the Reformation message in architecture and art. Next, we drive to nearby Nimbschen where as a young girl Katharina came to Marienthron Convent in 1515 and took her vows to become a nun. Walk among the ancient convent ruins set amid a grassy meadow beneath magnificent old trees. Our group will have a rustic lunch with traditional menu of foods and the drink from Luther’s time in the 16th century. We continue to Wittenberg. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 5, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, O.L. S. Worship Service (B, D)
This morning we gather to worship in the chapel of the newly renovated Old Latin School, followed by a tour of this new facility. We begin our journey in the footsteps of Martin Luther to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, also known as the “cradle of the Reformation”. Here we will meet a local guide who will lead us on our walking tour of Wittenberg to visit the places where Luther walked with his fellow Reformation colleagues. We begin our journey at the inspiring Schlosskirche (Castle Church) and its historic 95 theses doors, continuing we walk to St. Mary’s Church where Luther preached and where his children were baptized, and view the Reformation theme altar painted by Lucas Cranach- a close friend of Luther and Katie. Next, we visit the Luther Museum, home to the largest collection of Reformation artifacts in the world. This evening our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 6, Berlin, Bonhoeffer-House Memorial (B)
Today you have a choice; you may join our tour manager and travel to the ever-changing capital of Berlin, or, enjoy the day in Wittenberg on your own to revisit some of the sites on our walking tour, or a visit to the Museum of Philipp Melanchthon- Luther’s close friend and advisor. Our Berlin city tour includes a stop at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church- the symbolic centre of West Berlin and anti- war memorial to peace and reconciliation, the Berliner Dom (Evangelical Cathedral) Berlin’s largest and most prominent Protestant church, a view of Checkpoint Charlie, the border crossing of Cold-War days and the world-famous Brandenburg Gate. We’ll visit the Bonhoeffer-House Memorial and Place of Encounter to learn more about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Berlin pastor and professor of theology known for resistance to Nazi dictatorship at a time when racism ruled Germany, victimizing religious, ethnic, and social minorities. We return to Wittenberg for the evening. Dinner is on our own or with some of our new friends. Overnight Wittenberg
Day 7, Leipzig (B, L)
Afterwards, we continue our journey to the majestic city of Leipzig. We have the privilege of visiting the Nickolaikirch (St. Nicholas Church), the home of the faithful “Pray for Peace” Christians and the powerful force that transformed Germany’s East and West, and St. Thomaskirche (St. Thomas Church) where Luther preached and Johann Sebastian Bach performed and directed the famous St. Thomas Boys choir. The awesome musical and intellectual heritage of Leipzig goes far beyond Bach. It was here that Schiller wrote his immortal Ode to Joy later to be adopted as the principal theme of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (written in Leipzig as well.) We enjoy lunch at the historic Auersbach Keller and view the Reformation art display on the walls of the “Luther Room” and the “Wine Cellar Room”, including the recently found reproduction (only one of its kind, original piece was destroyed) of the Leipzig Debate between Martin Luther and Dr. Eck. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Leipzig on your own, perhaps a visit to the Bach House Museum- home to the second-largest stock of Bach originals in the world! Learn more about the impact Bach had on religious thinking, art, politics and the Reformation movement. For those music lovers who prefer to be outdoors, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city along the “Leipzig Music Trail” a narrated trail which links the places where composers Mendelssohn, Schumann, Wagner lived and worked. Option- attend a music performance at St. Thomas Church or Gewandhaus (schedule to be determined). Overnight Leipzig
Day 8, Lutherstadt Eisleben, Erfurt (B)
We continue our journey to Lutherstadt Eisleben where we will visit the houses where Luther was born in 1483 and where he died in 1546, St. Peter and Paul Church where Luther was baptized and St. Andrew Church where Luther preached his last four sermons and where his body laid in state. Next we drive to the nearby city of Erfurt where Luther turned to theology and the monastic life, when he was caught in a violent thunderstorm nearby and vowed to become a monk. Our guided walk of the city includes the medieval Kramer Bridge, the unmistakable ensemble of St. Mary's Cathedral, where Luther was ordained, the Church of St. Severus, and the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk from 1505-1511 and where he studied, worshiped and was inspired to create the “Luther Rose”. Dinner is on our own. Overnight Erfurt
Day 9, Wartburg Castle, Eisenach (B)
This morning we visit the magnificent Wartburg Castle. It was here where Luther took refuge while he translated the New Testament into the German language. We continue our journey in the life of Luther with a visit to the LutherHaus Museum in Luther’s childhood town of Eisenach. We also visit the Bach Museum, which houses an extensive collection of instruments from the 16th to 19th century and a permanent exhibition on the life and work of J. S. Bach, including a musical performance on historical instruments. Afterwards, we return to Erfurt for dinner on our own. Overnight Erfurt
Day 10, Coburg (B, D)
Today we drive south to Coburg to visit one of Germany’s largest castles Veste Coburg, the fortress where Luther took refuge and lived during the drafting of the Augsburg Confession. Here we see the painted walls and ceiling of Cranach the Elder with impressive hunting scenes, the art treasures and the Luther Chapel. Afterwards we drive to Rothenburg, the quintessential medieval village and perhaps the most famous town along the “Romantic Road”. Group will meet for dinner. Overnight Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Day 11, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (B)
We awake in the quaint city of Rothenburg, our guided walk along the cobblestone lanes with their wonderful variety of shops and medieval architecture includes a stop at St. Jakob’s Church to view the Bible scenes depicted in the 500 year old wood-carved altarpiece, and to view the famous glockenspiel in the town center. After our walking tour, we have time to enjoy the city on our own. You may want to climb the Town Hall Tower for the best view of the town and surrounding countryside, enjoy shopping for local crafts, or visit the world famous Kathe Wolfahrt’s year-round Christmas Village. Overnight Rothenburg
Day 12, 42nd Passion Play Oberammergau Bavarian Alps (B, D)
We begin our day with a drive through the spectacular scenery of the majestic Bavarian Alps to the quaint alpine village of Oberammergau with its famous painted houses, wood carving studios and home to the theater that hosts the world famous Passion Play, performed once every 10-years. Along our guided walk, mingle with the villagers and learn about the hard work and dedication of the local volunteers who bring the Passion Play alive for our enjoyment and a lifetime of memories. This afternoon we make our way to the Passion Play Theatre to attend the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play. The play is five hours and performed in two acts, from 2:30pm – 5:30pm, with an intermission break including dinner and continues from 8:00pm-10:00pm. Prepare to be amazed as the stage comes alive…with a spectacular set, awe-inspiring performances, live animals and birds under the majestic sky of the breathtaking Bavarian Alps! Overnight Bavarian Alps
Day 13, Church of Wies, Neuschwanstein Castle Bavarian Alps (B, D)
After breakfast, we will board our coach for an awe-inspiring ride through the spectacular Bavarian Alps. First, we visit the pilgrimage church of Wies to admire the ornate decorations that have earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Next, we visit Neuschwanstein Castle- one of the most popular castles in Europe was the private refuge of “mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. We’ll tour this magnificent palace and learn more about the mysteries and legends of 19th century royalty. Our group will meet for dinner. Overnight Munich
Day 14, Augsburg, Dachau Memorial Site (B, D)
This morning we continue our journey along the Reformation Road to the city of Augsburg. Our walking tour includes the Renaissance Town Hall and St. Anne’s Church where Luther stayed in 1518 during his meetings with Cardinal Cajetan, sent to persuade Luther to renounce his views. Next, we visit Dachau Concentration Camp and the grounds of today's memorial site. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Munich, the fun-filled capital of Bavaria. Our group will meet for our farewell dinner. Overnight Munich
Day 15, Munich, Andechs Klosterbrauerei (B)
Today our guide will lead our panoramic driving tour including visits to the King’s Square with its 3 temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Hall of Generals, the Angel of Peace monument, Maximilianeum State Parliament, the Royal Palace, Karl Square and the majestic Palace of Nymphenburg. Stroll the Marienplatz to view the Rathaus with its world famous glockenspiel. Afterwards you may choose to travel with the group to nearby Andechs Klostrbrauerei a popular pilgrimage site offering amazing views from Holy Mountain overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Lake Ammersee and the 17th-century Gothic church with onion-domed tower. Time for lunch on our own at the beer garden before returning to Munich. Or, you may remain in Munich for the afternoon to visit to one of the museums or shopping. Dinner on our own. Overnight Munich
Day 16, Depart Munich Airport (B) Group transfer from the hotel to the Munich airport.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour.
TOUR LEVEL - MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours (approx. 3-4 miles per day) and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
TOUR INCLUDES
Relaxed pace- time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Group airport transfers in Germany
Luxury air-conditioned motor coach will transport you in comfort
Services of our professional English-speaking Tour Manager
14 nights First-Class 4-star accommodations with private bathroom
Hotel taxes
Breakfast daily, 2- Theme Lunches, 6-Dinners
Gratuities for included meals
Life Enriching Activities- spiritual, cultural and educational experiences daily
Professional local guides
Worship service at the churches where Martin Luther worshiped
2022 Passion Play premium category reserved seat and accommodation in the Bavarian Alps
All sightseeing and admissions as indicated in the itinerary
Baggage handling throughout the tour for 1-bag each
PRICE* is per person based on double occupancy
$4390 with 30+ travelers
$4590 with 25+ travelers
$4890 with 20+ travelers
$695 Additional for Single Occupancy
*Tour prices subject to change due to currency fluctuation.
GROUP AIRFARE* is addition to the tour price and requires a minimum of 10 travelers on same flights.
Group flight arrangements from San Francisco, CA to be advised 11-months prior to travel dates. Additional departures available from
most cities, contact LutherTours for flight schedules and price.
PAYMENT
Deposit $350 per person and is non-refundable.
Second Payment $650 due by April 30, 2021 (a reminder will be sent to travelers)
Balance due 120 days prior to departure (a reminder will be sent to travelers).
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Prices subject to currency fluctuation. Itinerary subject to change. Please be aware of the LutherTours complete Terms and Conditions of Travel and Cancellation policy, a copy is available by contacting our office directly 1.844.777.1517 or online at www.LUTHERTOURS.com to view Terms and Conditions of Travel policy. LT and its travel partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Up to 100% cancellation fee will apply.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for tour manager, tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet Wi-Fi charges and phone calls.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance, learn more about the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan
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